Collection

The Durotriges tribe occupied Dorset, south Wiltshire, south Somerset. They lived in a mineral-rich area and minted coins well before the Roman invasion. One of the first Celtic mints in Britain was located at Hengistbury Head. Other metalworking also involved gold, silver and copper alloys as well as the casting of bronze artefacts and ironworking with local iron ore. Many coins from this era have been found, interestingly some of which appear to be forgeries with a bronze base given a dip coating of silver.

Hengistbury Head was also a main trading port for importing wine, tools and pottery from Gaul and even Italy.

The territories of the Durotriges were possessed of an unusual density of powerful hillforts. They occupied some of the most famous hillforts of Maiden Castle, Hod Hill and South Cadbury Castle. They were bordered to the north and east by the Belgae and by the Dumnonii to the west.

During the time of the Roman invasion the Durotriges were one of the two tribes that fought against Vespasian and the second legion.